15month old started nursery and now not sleeping

[frogem366]

My daughter started her induction last week in preparation for my return to work next Monday. From the first day she has gone in without problems and seems to have settled in well (2 2hr sessions thurs, fri and 3 half days 8-1pm mon tues wed) however she has not slept at any of her settling sessions. On Monday i return to work and she will be in all day mon-wed.

Every night since starting however her night settling has been terrible, screaming uncontrollably, and waking every few hours from 7pm until around 4am. Plus on her return from nursery she is naturally exhausted, but fights her sleep, the only way I manage is to take her for a walk.

Previously she slept 7pm-8pm, settled instantly and napped in her cot during the day without problems also. I'm broken hearted that the stress of nursery is causing these sleep problems, but we don't have another option.

I know I could co sleep, however we have never done this, and don't want to start bad habits. She will settle in my arms but as soon as I lie her down she screams.

Has anyone else experienced this? What did you do? Does it last long? I know I can have a snooze during the day while she is in nursery at the moment, but next week this won't be the case and I'm already exhausted.

Thanks for any tips, help, advice, support in advance :)

Anyone else experienced this or am I the only one?

How old is she, OP?

15months almost 16. Has been a fantastic sleeper and self settler until now. Slept all night since 8 weeks apart from when ill or teething

Poor thing and poor you!

It does sound like it has upset her, have you told the nursery? How do they encourage them to take naps at that age? It's all new to her and you, but it will settle down, it just takes a little while. Which is easy to say when you have the additional stress of going back to work.

Thanks pookamoo, your understanding is appreciated. She did sleep for 30mins yesterday so that's better than nothing, but still not happy about being left at night.

I never realised it would be so hard, if I didn't feel guilty enough, this is really topping it.

Maybe extra cuddles at night will be a good way for you and her to reconnect after a day apart?

I do hope it settles down for you.

I'm sure it will settle down with time and you DD gets used to it. Just sounds like she's getting over tired. Massaging the point between the eyebrows may help calm her down and put her in a deeper sleep. Google - acupressure the sleep inducing point - works wonders on my DD. Plus bach flower remedies are great for any time of change - even just rescue remedy would help her settle.
Best wishes